We’re still a little while off from summer here in Brisbane. But it won’t take long for things to start heating up.
We’ll be switching our air conditioning over to cooling mode very soon. So, we should debunk some common air conditioning myths before putting our air cons to work overtime.
Jump to:
Myth 1. You Don’t Need to Prep Your Air Conditioner for Summer
The number of people who neglect preparing their air conditioning for summer is surprising. After over 20 years in business, it still surprises us.
You wouldn’t just run your car without getting it serviced. But people do it every year with air conditioning, never giving it a second thought (until something inevitably goes wrong).
Giving your air con system some TLC before summer ensures it works efficiently when you need it most.
There are some air conditioning maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Only professional technicians should perform other tasks.
Air Conditioning DIY Maintenance Tips
Filter Cleaning and Replacement
- Clean Filters – Dirty filters can restrict airflow, making the system work harder and reducing efficiency. Clean the filters every one to three months by gently vacuuming them or washing them with lukewarm water. Always let them dry completely before reinstalling.
- Replace Filters – If the filters are damaged or excessively dirty, replace them with new ones. Regularly changing filters helps maintain good air quality and ensures your air conditioner functions effectively.
Inspect and Clean the Indoor Unit
- Wipe Down the Unit – Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the indoor unit. Remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. Excessive dust on the exterior can kick up and enter the unit, building up in the filters.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
- Clear Debris – Ensure the outdoor unit is free from leaves, dirt, and other debris that can block airflow.
- Move Obstructions – Keep the area around the unit clear to allow proper ventilation. Move loose items like boxes or toys that may be stacked on or around the outdoor unit.
Professional Air Conditioning Servicing
We recommend getting professional air conditioner servicing at least once a year, preferably before the summer season. A technician checks and addresses issues you should leave to the experts.
- Check the Evaporator Coil – Over time, the evaporator coil can collect dirt and grime, hindering heat exchange. An expert can gently clean the coil if needed.
- Clean the Condenser Fins – Removing dirt or obstructions from the fins helps maintain efficient heat dissipation.
- Check for Damage – Inspect the outdoor unit for any signs of damage, such as bent fins or loose parts. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- Monitor Refrigerant – Low refrigerant levels can reduce the cooling efficiency and strain the compressor. A professional can check and refill the refrigerant if necessary.
- Look for Leaks – Refrigerant leaks affect performance and can harm the environment. A licensed technician needs to deal with any refrigerant issues.
- Clear the Drain Line – A clogged drain line can cause water to back up, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
- Check the Drain Pan – Inspect the drain pan for signs of rust or cracks, and replace it if necessary to prevent leaks.
- Check Connections – Ensure all electrical connections are secure and free from corrosion. Loose connections can cause intermittent performance issues or electrical hazards.
- Test the Thermostat – Make sure the thermostat functions correctly and accurately to read the room temperature.
Preparing your air conditioner for summer keeps it in top condition. Your system will be working at its best when you need it most.
Myth 2. A Bigger System is Always Better
Choosing the wrong size when installing an air conditioner will cause you problems.
Too small, and it’ll struggle to cool/heat your home and may end up cycling constantly to reach the desired temperature. Too big, and your air conditioner can short-cycle, cool before reducing humidity and cause uneven temperatures.
This leads to inefficiency and increased energy consumption. Always choose a system that matches your home’s size and insulation level.
The experts at Hewitt Trade Services can help you determine the right unit size for your needs.
Myth 3. Setting a Lower Temp Makes the Unit Cool Quicker
Your air con can only cool as fast as the system allows. You can’t speed this up by setting the temperature lower.
The only thing you do is waste energy and strain your system. Putting too much demand on your air conditioning unit can ultimately shorten its lifespan.
In Brisbane, the best temperature to set your air conditioning is about 25°C in summer and 20°C in winter.
This ensures your system runs efficiently without putting too much strain on your unit.
Myth 4. Close Vents in Rooms You Don’t Use
If you have ducted air conditioning, closing vents in rooms you aren’t using might seem like a good idea. The idea is that you can divert cool air to other rooms where the vents are open.
But closing vents completely affects the airflow balance your air conditioning needs to work efficiently. Your system was designed to work with all vents open.
However, you can partially close them to try to redirect airflow to other rooms. Just don’t close them fully.
Even better, consider upgrading your ducted air conditioning for zoning capabilities. These systems are designed to only cool or heat certain zones or rooms of your choosing.
Myth 5. Only Upgrade When the System Quits Working
Running your air conditioning unit into the ground before you upgrade is tempting. After all, you want to get the most out of your system before it stops working, which we completely understand.
And make no mistake, you can get a good run out of your air conditioner. With regular professional servicing, your split-system air con can last around 10-12 years, while your ducted system can last about 15 years.
But we recommend upgrading your air conditioning system before it stops working completely.
The older your air conditioner gets, the more inefficient it becomes, and the repairs can start becoming more and more frequent. Here are some consequences of running an older unit:
- Refrigerant leaks
- High energy bills
- More frequent and costly repairs
- Inefficient cooling
- High humidity
We understand that upgrading comes with a higher upfront cost. But installing a new system can end up saving you money in the long run.
Booking Installation or Maintenance With Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the air conditioning business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common air conditioning challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast.
Our 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google proves it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote, and make informed decisions about servicing your air conditioner. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient air conditioner for years to come.
Are you ready to make an informed decision about your air conditioner maintenance?
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Air Conditioning Albion – Air Conditioning Amberly – Air Conditioning Annerley – Air Conditioning Anstead – Air Conditioning Ascot – Air Conditioning Ashgrove – Air Conditioning Aspley – Air Conditioning Augustine Heights – Air Conditioning Bellbowrie – Air Conditioning Boondall – Air Conditioning Booval – Air Conditioning Bowen Hills – Air Conditioning Bracken Ridge – Air Conditioning Bridgeman Downs –Air Conditioning Brisbane – Air Conditioning Brookfield – Air Conditioning Brookside Centre – Air Conditioning Brookwater – Air Conditioning Carole Park – Air Conditioning Carseldine – Air Conditioning Chapel Hill – Air Conditioning Chermside – Air Conditioning Clayfield – Air Conditioning Collingwood Park – Air Conditioning Enoggera – Air Conditioning Everton Park, Air Conditioning Fig Tree Pocket – Air Conditioning Forest Lake – Air Conditioning Gaythorne – Air Conditioning Geebung – Air Conditioning Gordon Park – Air Conditioning Hamilton – Air Conditioning Hendra – Air Conditioning Indooroopilly
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